An Englishman in the Balkans.
by David Pejčinović-Bailey MBE
In this podcast, you'll get a unique look at life in Bosnia and Herzegovina through the eyes of an immigrant. Each episode, David shares his experiences living in this often misunderstood country, and introduces you to some of the interesting people he's met along the way.From exploring the rich culture and history, to discussing the challenges and joys of immigrating to a new country, this podcast offers a thoughtful and engaging look at life in the Balkans.
Episodes
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The Bosana Chronicles
Weaving Fantasies from Cultural Threads - with Mile Mićić. On this episode of the podcast I meet Mile Mićić originally from Mrkonjić Grad in Bosnia and Herzegovina, now living in Andalusia, Spain. He has created an animation project called “Bosana”, a fantasy world inspired by Bosnia. I find out...
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From Cruise Ship to Banja Luka
This episode of the podcast features an in-depth conversation with Arianna, a vibrant Latin woman who has made Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina, her home. Arianna shares her experiences of moving for love, transitioning from a glamorous life aboard cruise ships to setting roots in a new…
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How Do You Find Ćejf?
In this podcast I talk to Kathi and Numa Numić, who discuss the development and plans for their travel agency, Ćejf, which focuses on mindful and sustainable travel in Bosnia and Herzegovina. We look back on their successful first year, highlighting challenges, achievements, and the desire to...
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From Bosnia to Zimbabwe
In This Episode. In this episode of the podcast I talk to Ramajana Mabita, originally from Bosnia and Herzegovina but presently living in Harare in Zimbabwe. I find out what, if any, similarities there are between the two countries, Ramajana’s culture shocks, her love of Zimbabwean fashion and…
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The Remarkable Journey of the Winter Olympic Games in Sarajevo
Hello, I’m David and I write about my life and adventures in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Subscribe for free to enjoy occasional posts, podcasts and vlogs from this much misunderstood heart shaped country in the western Balkans. The National Anthem of the Socialist Federated Republic of Yugoslavia -...
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From Folklore to the Future
It seems that wherever I go in Bosnia and Herzegovina, traditional skills and cultural activities are slowly disappearing. From making instruments, to dancing and much more, the latest generations of young people, don't seem interested, and that could mean a massive impact on the heritage of not...
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Exploring the Captivating Lives of Livno's Wild Horses.
This episode takes us from the picturesque landscapes of the Lake District in the United Kingdom to the rugged mountains of Bosnia and Herzegovina. I catch up with equine photographer Ruth Chamberlain, who last year (2022), embarked on a remarkable journey to document the captivating lives of the...
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The Bosnian Who Lives on a Boat
In this episode I get to talk to Biljana Lipić, a resident of Cornwall in the United Kingdom but originally from Sarajevo.Biljana lives on a boat anchored on a Cornish river. I first found out about Biljana from a story that I stumbled across online. I have to admit that I have always had an...
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Crossing Borders - A Serbian Christmas in England
In this episode I catch up with Vesna Djukić to find out about how she celebrates Serbian Orthodox Christmas in the United Kingdom. With Vesna's Serbian background and David's enthusiasm for embracing different cultures, they delve into topics such as maintaining cultural identity, introducing...
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The Wine Culture of Bosnia and Herzegovina
In this episode I chat with Bela Dominković, a Swiss wine expert now residing in Bosnia and Herzegovina. We talk about the unique wine culture of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the country's potential for wine tourism, the unique characteristics of Bosnian wines, and the challenges faced by local...
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Exploring Travnik: The Heartbeat of Bosnia and Herzegovina
This episode is about David's adventure to Travnik, a charming town in central Bosnia and Herzegovina. With the assistance of local guide Ben, David unveils the rich history, mouth-watering cuisine, captivating architecture and stunning nature of Travnik. Highlighting the efforts of passionate...
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Sevap Mitzvah - Discovering Sabina Vajrača, a Trailblazing Filmmaker
Join me in this heart-touching podcast with the inspiring Sabina Vajrača, a Bosnian film director making her mark in the film industry. Sabina shares the trials and tribulations she faced, from fleeing Bosnia on her own at the age of 14, to making it big in Hollywood. She gives a glimpse into her...
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Meeting an Englishman who lived in the Jugoslavija of the 80's and 90's.
A nostalgic dive into the history, culture, and experiences of an Englishman living in the Balkans during Yugoslavia's era. Martin Gannon shares his journey from England to Yugoslavia in the 20th century, his experiences of working in the tourism sector, including establishing a pilgrimage route…
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Sevdah and Ladino Songs - Exploring the Influence of Jewish Culture in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Bosnia and Herzegovina is home to a rich tapestry of stories, many of which are still undiscovered even by those who live in the country. In this episode of our podcast, we delve into the extraordinary connection between Ladino and Sevdah music, and how a Jewish prayer sparked a musical journey...
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Exploring the Bosnian Pyramids:
Dr. Samir Osmanagić an anthropology professor and pyramid researcher, provides a deep-dive into the pyramids discovered in Visoko, Bosnia Herzegovina. He offers a profound analysis of the pyramid phenomenon worldwide as he unveils the true potential of pyramids, not just as architectural marvels,...
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Embracing Diversity: From Micronesia to Bosnia with Sheila Savanović
Today, I have a truly inspiring guest, Sheila Savanović, a resilient lady from Micronesia who has made an extraordinary journey from the eastern Pacific to Southeastern Europe. Sheila shares her fascinating story of meeting her husband in China, settling in Banja Luka, and the cultural…
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Exploring Spomeniks: The Brutalist Monuments of Former Yugoslavia
In this episode, I discuss the brutalist Spomenik monuments of the former Yugoslavia with Donald Niebel - founder of the Spomenik Database. Donald is an environmental scientist turned researcher from the United States We delve into the historical significance, architectural design, and location...
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Dijana Tepšić - From Radio Presenter to Entrepreneur
In this compelling podcast, Dijana Tepšić shares her journey; from a radio presenter during demanding times to a successful entrepreneur in the Balkan media industry. I caught up with Dijana on a sunny November day in Banja Luka. Dijana talks about her varied career path, her adventures in radio...
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Losing My Balance
This episode is a bit different from our usual ones. Instead of interviewing fascinating individuals about Bosnia and Herzegovina, I’m sharing some personal experiences and observations from my life in this heart-shaped country. I had an interesting episode planned for you today. I was going to...
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"Forced Out" - A story of Surviving Conflict
In this episode I explore the emotional journey of Ivana Štrbac-Alfonso, who was forced to leave her home in Bosnia and Herzegovina during the conflict in the 1990s. Ivana, who was only five to six years old at the time, lived in a village outside Zenica, a moderately large town in middle Bosnia....
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This Podcast is 10 Years Old - Throwback to Episode 1
Welcome to this special throwback episode of the podcast, celebrating 10 years of “An Englishman in the Balkans”. The journey began in 2007 in Canada, and after a brief hiatus, it was relaunched in Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2013. Over the years, the podcast has evolved, even changing titles a...
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My Two Worlds: The UK and Bosnia and Herzegovina
Hello, this episode is a bit different from normal, because I’m replaying a podcast episode thats not mine. Let me explain. Back in may I was a guest on a fantastic podcast hosted by Slavenka Vuković- Bryan called Two Worlds, One Me. I think the podcast title is pretty explanatory, but basically…
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The Power of Audio Storytelling in the Balkans
Painting Pictures with Words and Sound. In this episode I want to share an intriguing conversation I had with Alexandra Bučko, a passionate podcasting enthusiast in the Western Balkans. In this interview, we delve into the world of podcasting and the challenges and opportunities it presents in…
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From Spain to Sarajevo: Tracing the Sarajevo Haggadah's Remarkable Odyssey
In this special episode, I delve into the captivating world of the Sarajevo Haggadah, one of the world's rarest and most significant historical documents. Join me as i unravel the mysteries and stories surrounding this ancient manuscript, which resides in the National Museum of Bosnia and...
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Van Life Chronicles: Exploring Bosnia and Herzegovina with Martin Fletcher
In this episode I talk to Martin Fletcher, a British traveler and podcaster who is currently on a journey through the Balkans in his van. Martin shares his experiences living the van life and traveling through Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as his plans to head to Turkey for the winter. We…
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Buying a Holiday Home in Montenegro
In this episode, join me as I explore the captivating journey of Helen Reynolds Brown, a British expat living in Belgium, who found her dream holiday home in the picturesque coastal region of Montenegro, near the ancient city of Kotor. Helen shares her incredible experiences, insights, and...
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Zimnica 2023 - Winter Food
Welcome, to a replay edition of the podcast, where we're taking a trip down memory lane to 3 years ago, when Tamara and I sat down to discuss a cherished tradition here in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Zimnica (or winter food). You can Download Tamara's Recipe HERE Preserving Tradition: Exploring…
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Is There Such a thing as Independent Media in the Western Balkans
In this episode of we're delving into a topic that holds immense significance in the region: independent media in the Balkans. Joining me to discuss this is seasoned journalist, media analyst, and Balkans expert, Bojan Stojkovski. Bojan and I embark on a thought-provoking journey through the...
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Settling Back in the Village
In this episode I give you a brief update about our return from our holiday in Montenegro. I post a weekly newsletter update on my substack and thought that maybe you might like to hear it as a podcast. Let me know what you think of that idea? Thank you for being a part of our podcasting…
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Living in Croatia with Mark Whitfield - Part 3
Welcome to this final episode of our mini series about life in Croatia through the eyes of another Englishman, Mark Whitfield. This is the third instalment of a three-part series, where I’ll be finding out about . how difficult it is, or maybe not so, a business in Croatia. Mark gives some…
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Following Her Intuition: Nadja Gydat's 'Move to Visoko, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Welcome to "An Englishman in the Balkans," the podcast that aims to encourage people to explore Bosnia and Herzegovina. We talk to fascinating individuals not only from Bosnia and Herzegovina but also those who have come to this country or, like me, live here. Today, I'm thrilled to introduce you...
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The Future of Folklore in Bosnia and Herzegovina
In this episode of the podcast, ! we are delving into the vibrant world of folklore in Bosnia and Herzegovina, a country where culture and tradition play an essential role in its identity. Dita Bajrami-Vrbanjac, the current Director of the folklore troupe based in Travnik, and passionate folklore...
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Living in Croatia with Mark Whitfield - Part 2
Welcome to this edition of "An Englishman in the Balkans," where I am continuing a micro-series about life in Croatia through the eyes of another Englishman, Mark Whitfield. This is the second instalment of a three-part series, where I’ll be finding out about . how difficult it is, or maybe not…
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Achieving Self-Sustainability in Bosnia
Join me in this captivating episode as we delve into the fascinating world of self-sustainability in Bosnia and Herzegovina with Ivy Šibinčić. Ivy is at the forefront of the self-sustainability movement in her region, working tirelessly to empower local communities and promote eco-conscious...
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Exploring Travnik - Where History Comes Alive
In this episode, David goes on a mesmerising journey to the charming town of Travnik in central Bosnia and Herzegovina. This time he travels solo, leaving behind Tamara, and shares the wonders he encounters along the way. Travelling by bus through the scenic landscape of Bosnia, David provides...
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The Italians of Mahovljani
Hello and welcome to the podcast, where in this episode we look at the legacy of a group of some 55 Italian families that came to the village of Mahovljani back in the late eighteen hundreds. Today all that remains of that Italian influence is its church, high on the hill, vineyards that those...
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Living in Croatia with Mark Whitfield - Part 1
Welcome to this edition of "An Englishman in the Balkans," where I am starting a micro-series about life in Croatia through the eyes of another Englishman, Mark Whitfield. This is the first instalment of a three-part series, where I’ll be finding out about . Marks decision to make Croatia his new...
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Breaking Barriers: Jelisaveta Gluvić-Wragg's Musical Journey
Welcome to another episode of "An Englishman in the Balkans Podcast," where we traverse the rich cultural landscape of the Western Balkans. In this edition, recorded outside in our garden here in the village of Čardačani, I sit down with the incredibly talented Jelisaveta Gluvić-Wragg, a...
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Recharged and Revitalised - Our Comeback from a 2 Month Break
Where have I been for the past two months of not posting a podcast episode? In this episode I bring you up to date an recent events and what you can expect going forward. As an English language podcaster in Bosnia and Herzegovina, I sometimes feel like an outsider, but it also gives me a unique...
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David Sammel - An ATP Coach Visiting Banja Luka
In this episode I’m sat in the reception area of the Marriott hotel in downtown Banja Luka. Why? Because at the moment the first ATP 250 Tennis Tournament is under way in Banja Luka. This tournament is also called the Srpska Open, as Banja Luka is in the entity of Republika Srpska. I have managed...
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The Banja Luka Dajak - Preserving Cultural Heritage.
In this episode of the Podcast, I talk to Nebojša Ruzicic from The Banja Luka Dajak Club and take a Deep Dive into an aspect of the rich cultural heritage of Banja Luka, the second city in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Nebojša is an expert on the traditional Dajak boats, a unique watercraft used by the...
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The Concept of Ćejf :
In This Episode of the podcast I have the pleasure of speaking with Nermin Numić, the co-owner and founder of a travel agency in Sarajevo called Ćejf, which is based on this very concept. “Numa” (thats his nickname) explained that the word Ćejf is derived from the Arabic word kayf, which means...
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Memories of Bosnia in 1997
In This Episode. In this episode of the podcast, I sit down with Martine McNee, a former British military Public Affairs officer, to hear about her 8-month deployment in Bosnia and Herzegovina from late 1997 to mid 1998. Martine shares her experiences during this time, giving us insight into the...
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The Wines of Bosnia and Herzegovina
In This Episode. In this episode of the podcast I get to know Bella Dominković and to find out so much I never knew about the wines of Bosnia and Herzegovina. It really is a fascinating insight into the wine culture of this country and how Bella is trying to put Bosnia on the world wine map as a...
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Tourism Trailblazer - Kathrin Numić in Sarajevo
In This Episode Join me as I chat with Kathrin Numić, a German tourism entrepreneur based in Sarajevo. Hear her inspiring story of her journey from Germany to Cape Town and finally to Sarajevo where she has established a small tourist agency with her husband. Discover her experiences of living in…
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Danilo Bosnić - Banja Luka Tour Guide
In this episode I catch up with Danilo Boznić, a local tour guide in Banja Luka. We delve into the potential the country has to become a top travel destination, Danilo's personal experience as a tour guide, and the challenges Bosnia faces due to negative perceptions. We chat about the importance…
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Welcome to An Englishman in the Balkans Podcast
Welcome to 'An Englishman in the Balkans,' the podcast that will introduce you to Bosnia and Herzegovina, that heart shaped, but much misunderstood country in the western balkans. I'm David Pejčinović-Bailey, and I’m inviting you to join me as we explore this beautiful country from a unique...
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A Mexican in Banja Luka
In this episode Tamara and I visit “Chiquita”, a Mexican restaurant in Hanište, Banja Luka. Chiquita is the only venue that serves Authentic Mexican cuisine in the city. Yes, there are Mexican recipes featured on our restaurants menus, but to be honest they really don’t “cut the mustard”.…
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Remembering Yugoslavia
This interview was recorded with a few hiccups due to buffering across our feed 😞 In this episode I get to talk to Peter Korchnak, Podcaster and Writer, about the “Remembering Yugoslavia” Podcast. The Remembering Yugoslavia podcast explores the memory of the country that no longer exists. How do...
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The Bosnian Who Lives on a Boat
This interview was recorded with a few hiccups due to buffering across our feed 😞 In this episode I get to talk to Biljana Lipić, a resident of Cornwall in the United Kingdom but originally from Sarajevo.Biljana lives on a boat anchored on a Cornish river. I first found out about Biljana from a...
About this show
In this podcast, you'll get a unique look at life in Bosnia and Herzegovina through the eyes of an immigrant. Each episode, David shares his experiences living in this often misunderstood country, and introduces you to some of the interesting people he's met along the way.From exploring the rich culture and history, to discussing the challenges and joys of immigrating to a new country, this podcast offers a thoughtful and engaging look at life in the Balkans.
Hosted by
David Pejčinović-Bailey MBE